Related Stories

By Avi Creditor

No new players will be brought in to replace the forward and defender as the United States prepares to face Canada in one week ahead of the final round of World Cup qualifying.

Forward Edson Buddle and right back Steven Beitashour have been ruled out for the remainder of the U.S. men's national team's January training camp, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.

Both players are dealing with injuries and won't be available when the USA plays Canada in a Jan. 29 friendly at Houston's BBVA Compass Stadium. U.S. Soccer announced that no replacements will be brought into camp in their place, meaning that Jurgen Klinsmann will have 23 players from which to choose for the match.

Buddle, who was traded to the Colorado Rapids in the MLS offseason after winning an MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy, is having complications with his right knee, which he injured last June. Buddle, a member of the 2010 USA World Cup team, makes way for Eddie Johnson, Chris Wondolowski, Juan Agudelo, and Will Bruin as the other forward options on the roster.

Beitashour, a 2012 MLS All-Star who was called in by Klinsmann for the second time in his career, is dealing with a sports hernia that required surgery following the conclusion of the San Jose Earthquakes' season. Both have returned to their respective teams to be evaluated by club medical staff personnel.

Real Salt Lake right back Tony Beltran figures to be the beneficiary of Beitashour's absence, although versatile defenders such as LA's A.J. DeLaGarza, Hertha Berlin's Alfredo Morales and New York Red Bulls' Connor Lade could step into the position against Canada as well. Josh Gatt has played right back for Norwegian club Molde, but it remains to be seen whether Klinsmann views him as a defender on the international level. In Gatt's only cap, he played on the right wing.